Rural Health Funding: Oregon will distribute $37.5M to nearly two dozen rural hospitals to keep labor-and-delivery services running as Medicaid changes loom, though officials warn it’s only a short-term fix. Wildlife & Water: A deadly fish parasite, Ceratonova shasta, is linked to rising Chinook salmon deaths in the Klamath River, with Oregon State researchers weighing in. Public Safety (Wildfire): BLM fire restrictions are now in effect across Oregon and Washington, with officials urging visitors to check local rules and avoid human-caused ignition sources. Tech & Society (AI Policy): Oklahoma lawmakers largely stalled AI regulation bills after Trump’s push to stop states from regulating the technology, while other states keep moving ahead. Digital Access (Broadband): A rural broadband leader argues fiber networks often pass through small Oregon communities without delivering modern service or local benefits. STEM & Food Systems: OSU-linked work and wheat training for Chinese millers highlight Oregon’s research-to-market pipeline, from orchard health to bakery performance. Climate & Energy: The NSF backed off plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative after bipartisan backlash, protecting long-term ocean climate monitoring. Health (Heat & Housing): Oregon lawmakers are revisiting cooling support as heat risks rise, building on heat-pump rebate efforts after the 2021 heat dome.